• About the Thundering Herd:The Herd must win the final two games to become eligible for a bowl for the third time in four seasons. Marshall features one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. The Herd are third nationally in passing (358.5 yards) and eighth in total offense (511.3 yards) and are averaging 38.8 points per game. The defense has struggled, allowing an average 41.1 points. They have allowed 50 or more points in four games this season.

• Players to watch: Quarterback Rakeem Cato is fifth in Football Bowl Subdivision in total offense. He has completed 69.4 percent for 3,506 yards with 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions. … The Herd have plenty of targets in the passing game, led by C-USA leading receiver Tommy Shuler, who has 87 receptions for 892 yards and three touchdowns. Antavious Wilson is fourth in conference with 55 receptions for 625 yards and five touchdowns and Aaron Dobson is tied for fifth with 53 receptions for 618 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Gator Hoskins has 34 receptions for 347 yards and 10 touchdowns. … Running back Kevin Grooms leads the Herd in rushing with 577 yards and seven touchdowns. Steward Butler has 484 yards and three touchdowns. … Safety Dominick LeGrande is second in C-USA with 108 tackles. … Safety Okechukwu Okoroha has 95 tackles and linebacker D.J. Hunter has 78 tackles. Linebacker Jeremiah Holmes is fifth in C-USA with 10.5 tackles for loss. Defensive end Jeremiah Taylor has 3.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. … Kicker Justin Haig has made 9 of 12 field-goal attempts. … Punter Tyler Williams is second in C-USA with an average 45.5 yards and has 13 punts downed inside the 20-yard line and 12 cover 50 or more yards.